Dental · Gum Treatment · Procedure

Scaling & Root Planing: The Procedure, Step by Step

Done quadrant by quadrant under local anaesthetic — it is a clinical procedure, not the polish you get at a check-up. This page covers the scaling & root planing appointment itself — what is prepared beforehand, what happens in the chair, and what the first hours afterwards feel like. Plan for 1-2 appointments and 3-4 days.

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Quick answer

Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting. Local anaesthetic only, infiltrated by quadrant. Full-mouth work is normally split into two sessions so the whole mouth is not numb at once. Done quadrant by quadrant under local anaesthetic — it is a clinical procedure, not the polish you get at a check-up.

Before your procedure

What's confirmed before you're in the chair.

  • A six-point pocket chart and a periapical X-ray series to record baseline attachment loss
  • A smoking assessment — outcomes are measurably worse for smokers and this is worth discussing honestly
  • Diabetes control confirmed, because glycaemic control and periodontal healing move together
  • A written maintenance interval for after the treatment, usually three months rather than six
  • A written, fixed price covering 1-2 appointments — confirmed before you fly, not on arrival
Step by step

What happens during scaling & root planing.

  • Stop 01

    Records check on arrival

    Your scan or photographs are reviewed in person against the remote plan. Done quadrant by quadrant under local anaesthetic — it is a clinical procedure, not the polish you get at a check-up.

  • Stop 02

    Charting and diagnosis

    Every tooth is probed at six points and the readings recorded, which defines the treatment and provides the benchmark for the re-evaluation.

  • Stop 03

    Debridement

    Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove calculus from the root surface below the gum line, quadrant by quadrant under anaesthetic.

  • Stop 04

    Re-evaluation

    Six to eight weeks later the chart is repeated. Pockets that have not reduced are the ones considered for surgical access.

  • Stop 05

    What is specific to this option

    A deep clean below the gumline to treat early to moderate gum disease.

  • Stop 06

    Debrief and follow-up

    You leave with written aftercare and the follow-up schedule fixed — for this option that means 3-4 days, with 1-2 appointments in total.

Anaesthesia & duration

Local anaesthetic only, infiltrated by quadrant. Full-mouth work is normally split into two sessions so the whole mouth is not numb at once.

Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting.

Who performs it

A periodontist or a hygienist working under periodontal supervision. Ask whether pocket depths are recorded in a six-point chart before and after — that chart is the only objective measure of whether the treatment worked.

Right after the procedure

Gums are tender and may bleed lightly for a day. Teeth often feel more sensitive to cold immediately afterwards because the root surface is newly exposed and clean.

Learn more

Cost and alternatives for Scaling & Root Planing.

Compare vs alternatives → See full cost breakdown →
FAQ

Procedure questions, answered

Is it painful?

It is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards the teeth feel sensitive for a week or two as the gums tighten.

Will my gums recede?

Slightly, yes — the swelling that was hiding recession settles. That is a sign of healing, not damage.

Can I see my pocket chart before and after?

Yes, and you should. Without the numbers there is no way to judge whether the treatment achieved anything.

Will my gums recede after treatment?

Some recession is expected as inflammation resolves — swollen tissue shrinks. It is a sign of healing, though it can expose more root surface.

What is my maintenance interval?

Three months is standard after active periodontal treatment. Reverting to annual check-ups is the usual route back to disease.

How many visits does scaling & root planing need in total?

1-2 appointments — and 3-4 days. Any quote that compresses that materially is worth a second read, because laboratory and healing time set the schedule, not the clinic diary.

How does this compare with the closest alternative?

Periodontal surgery takes over when pockets do not resolve; a routine hygiene clean is a different, shallower treatment.

Recognise the signs

Signs it might be time to look into this.

01

Your dentist has measured deep pockets

Pocket depth is the objective indicator for this treatment.

02

Gums bleed and feel tender

Sub-gingival calculus keeps inflammation running.

03

A routine clean no longer helps

Above-gum cleaning cannot reach the root surface.

Specific to this option

Scaling & Root Planing: The Procedure, Step by Step: at a glance.

Done quadrant by quadrant under local anaesthetic — it is a clinical procedure, not the polish you get at a check-up.

Sessions1-2 appointments
Time in Turkey3-4 days
RecoverySensitivity and some recession for 1-2 weeks
Expected lifespanRequires 3-6 month maintenance thereafter

Closest alternative

Periodontal surgery takes over when pockets do not resolve; a routine hygiene clean is a different, shallower treatment.

Related options

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See how recovery from scaling & root planing works

Timeline, aftercare and what to watch for, day by day.

View recovery guide
In-depth guide

Scaling & Root Planing: the procedure in detail

Done quadrant by quadrant under local anaesthetic — it is a clinical procedure, not the polish you get at a check-up. Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting.

What scaling & root planing involves on the day

Done quadrant by quadrant under local anaesthetic — it is a clinical procedure, not the polish you get at a check-up. Local anaesthetic only, infiltrated by quadrant. Full-mouth work is normally split into two sessions so the whole mouth is not numb at once. Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting.

Who does the work

A periodontist or a hygienist working under periodontal supervision. Ask whether pocket depths are recorded in a six-point chart before and after — that chart is the only objective measure of whether the treatment worked. Gums are tender and may bleed lightly for a day. Teeth often feel more sensitive to cold immediately afterwards because the root surface is newly exposed and clean.

What to confirm before you book

  • A six-point pocket chart and a periapical X-ray series to record baseline attachment loss
  • A smoking assessment — outcomes are measurably worse for smokers and this is worth discussing honestly
  • Diabetes control confirmed, because glycaemic control and periodontal healing move together
  • A written maintenance interval for after the treatment, usually three months rather than six

Schedule

1-2 appointments and 3-4 days are what the plan is built around. Periodontal surgery takes over when pockets do not resolve; a routine hygiene clean is a different, shallower treatment.

This page is general educational information, not medical advice, and does not replace guidance from your treating clinician. Always follow the specific instructions given by your treating clinic, and contact them directly with any concerns about your individual case.
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